Being a Big World Explorer: Our Orlando Story

Some people visit the family cottage every weekend. Others pack their backpacks for an outdoor camping adventure. My family? Well, friends like to joke that Orlando is our home away from home.

They’re not incorrect! Looking back, we’ve visited Orlando 12 times over the past three years – most recently, courtesy of my friends at Expedia.caas part of their #BigWorldExplorer program. (Were you following my tweets?) And there’s a reason – actually several – we keep going back.

Proximity. If you’re flying from Toronto, did you know that Orlando is only 2.5 hours away? Too true! It’s a great short-haul option and several airlines offer a direct flight from YYZ (or BUF, if you’ve found a less expensive flight via JetBlue or Southwest). The proximity makes it perfect for families with young children – I like to say that the flight is one-and-a-half Disney movies away! Comforts of Home. While vacationing with children, it’s nice to have the comforts of home. Simple things – like choosing a destination where the locals speak your language, accept major credit cards and you don’t have to worry about the kids drinking the water – are key when you are travelling with young ones. And if you desire, you can actually stay in a home – in addition to hotels, there’s no shortage of villas, rental homes and condos available for your vacation. However, we love the Wyndham Grand Orlando, and if you stay tuned, I promise to tell you exactly why!Something for Everyone. It’s a popular misconception that Orlando vacations are only tailored towards kids. While there is no doubt that children will be thoroughly entertained when they visit Orlando, there is truly something for everyone in the family! Moms can enjoy premium outlet shopping and relaxing, world-class spas. Dads can take in a round of golf on some of the most stunning courses in North America, or even soar over swamp waters with an airboat ride!

And, of course, kids will love the magic of Walt Disney World and the wet and wild thrills of Aquatica water park.Affordability. I like to say that vacationing in Orlando is a “choose your own adventure” holiday. You can splurge on a 5-star hotel or team up with extended family to rent a vacation house. Maybe you’ll want to visit all the theme parks, or get a smaller dose of the action by selecting just one or two to experience. (It’s an excuse to return!)

In any case, bundling your flights, hotel, car rental and even attraction passes is easy with Expedia.caand you’ll save money, too! Just so you don’t have to stress about shopping around, Expedia.ca’s price guarantee assures that if you find a cheaper identical trip within 24 hours of making your reservation, they’ll refund the difference – and give you an Expedia.ca travel coupon worth $50.Now it’s obvious that there’s no shortage of things to do in Orlando, so I’ll be back with my top Orlando attractions for families. In the meantime, check out VisitOrlando.ca to start planning your dream vacation to Orlando… and Expedia.ca to book it!

it’s not just the flight, it’s the getting to the flight, the hotel and food once to the location all adds up. it’s nice and all I guess but we just have different priorities. I would rather spend my money locally

We’ve only been to Orlando once but we loved it, so I’m not surprised you guys keep going back! It must be such a nice getaway with a pretty short flight too – it takes us (in Vancouver) about 8 hours to get there!

Wow, you’ve been so often that’s incredible. I’ve been a couple of times, the kids loved it and couldn’t get enough. Two have now returned with their own children and no doubt are dying for the next trip there.